It's going to be a hopping weekend for culture vultures in Vancouver. Check out our pick of the coolest offerings in town.
MUSIC
Yes, it'sVancouver International Folk Festival time, and with nothing but sunshine forecast through Sunday, music fans can bask in the beautiful backdrop of Jericho Beach while chilling out to some of the most exciting names in folk, rock and world music. The big names are no-brainers - Steve Earle, Natalie Maines, The Waterboys - but make the most of your day or weekend pass and you're bound to make some new discoveries on the smaller stages and in the various workshops. Be warned: finding parking anywhere close to the site can be a painful process; if you can use transit or cycle, it may save you time and frustration. Friday - Sunday.
Eighties hip hop fans will want to head to the Commodore Friday night, where New York trio De La Soulwill be taking it to three feet high and rising.
Take a walk on the goth side Saturday night at the Rickshaw, where ex-Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphygoes solo with his Mr. Moonlight tour to clebrate 35 years of the British band whose hits included "Bela Lugosi's Dead" and "She's In Parties."
If you fancy a blast of summery pop to wash down a day of sunshine, Hawaiian sensation Bruno Mars will be kicking it at Rogers Arena Saturday.
MOVIES
Few movies come boasting the accolades bestowed on “The Act Of Killing,” which opens in Vancouver Friday. Documentary icons Errol Morris and Werner Herzog have added their voices to critics proclaiming Joshua Oppenheimer's film a breakthrough masterpiece. What’s it about? You couldn’t make this stuff up: gangsters recruited in the 1960s as part of Indonesia’s genocide are asked to talk about what they did, and so enamoured are they of their prowess, they start re-enacting scenes from the killings. Vancity Theatre is screening both the theatrical and the director’s cut. From Friday.
Feel like a breath of fresh air? Head to Stanley Park Saturday night for a free open air screening of Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery.
ART
For a different cultural experience around every corner, head to the Vancouver Art Gallery Friday night where a Grand Ballroom-themed FUSE will be taking over the space – and spilling out onto Robson Plaza. Be inspired by the sensory onslaught of performance art, dance and music – and check out the current exhibitions at the gallery while you’re at it. Friday 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
DANCE
Kokoro Dance performs its 16th annual Wreck Beach Butoh Saturday and Sunday morning at Vancouver’s famous clothing-optional beach. Sun, sea, sand and exquisite bodies creating art: what are you waiting for?
Check out a slideshow of this weekend's top picks below:
